Crushing On...

Monday, April 11, 2011

Hope everyone had a great weekend! The weather here in Ohio was 85 and sunny yesterday – so I spent every minute of it outside! I’m a BIG believer in sun protection and lathered up yesterday to avoid a painful burn. I purchased this sunscreen late last summer, but never ended up using it, as I had a bottle of Coppertone to finish up first. If I had only known how awesome this stuff is, I would have thrown out the Coppertone and switched to this instead!

[image: hawaiiantropic.com]

This is the BEST sunscreen I’ve ever used! The smell is light – not too sunscreen-y (is that a word? You know what I’m talking about – the coconut smell) – and it feels AMAZING on the skin. It’s not greasy, and your hands don’t feel oily after using it. I touched my arm after I put it on, and my arm didn’t feel greasy either – it was like I wasn’t even wearing sunscreen or lotion of any kind! Even the husband agreed, and it takes a lot for me to even get him to wear any kind of sun protection. I didn’t get a sun burn, I didn’t feel greasy all day, AND it’s water resistant, so it didn’t sweat off. I also used it on my face, and so far it hasn’t seemed to clog my pores or make me break out (and I have fairly sensitive skin). Another plus – this sunscreen isn’t tested on animals. This sunscreen gets an A+ and is definitely crush worthy!

Do you have a favorite sunscreen or tips for sun protection? Let me know in the comments below!

I picked this up during Nordie's recent Triple Rewards Points sale, and instantly fell in love. It took me a few tries to get it right - a little goes a long way - but now, I mix a *very* small amount in with my morning moisturizer and voila - I've got that instant, glowing-from-within look. I love that this product isn't too "glittery" and looks very natural on the skin. Swoon.

2. Philosophy 'The Microdelivery' Mini Peel Pads

[photo: www.nordstrom.com]

I discovered these babies a few months ago, after reading Veronika's review. These are so easy to use - I just swipe them over my face before bed, let dry, moisturize, and wake up in the morning with glowing skin. My skin's texture is smoother, and my pores don't seem to be as visible. Way to go, philosophy!

3. Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil

[photo: www.burtsbees.com]

I'm so glad I picked this up at Ulta on a whim last week. I've only ever tried the original Burt's Bees Lip Balm, but the hint of color in this version is perfection. The texture of the balm is great - not sticky, not too heavy. My lips feel moisturized, and the color adds a bit of polish. Plus, with the $3.50 coupon I had for Ulta, I basically got this for free! And as I've mentioned before, I love companies that don't do animal testing, and Burt's doesn't do animal testing of any kind.

4. Yes to Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes

[photo: www.yestocarrots.com]

Another Ulta purchase last week. I had been using the Yes to Cucumbers Natural Glow Facial Towelettes, which claimed to be for sensitive skin types. They not only irritated my face, they actually burned after I finished using them for a few minutes. NO BUENO! Luckily, these Yes to Blueberries towelettes don't burn, and actually do what they say - my skin looks brighter after using them, and they take off my day's makeup fairly easily. Bonus points for being a cruelty-free company, too.

5. Bumble and bumble Surf Spray

[photo: bumbleandbumble.com]

With warm weather approaching here in the Midwest, I am looking forward to the days of not blow drying my hair each time I wash it. This product has become a summer staple for me after I discovered it in college. This spray takes my naturally wavy hair from flat and frizzy to fabulous - it literally looks like I spent all day in the ocean and my hair dried to a natural, pretty wave. It adds body and texture, and I can't rave about it enough. I've tried drug store brands promising to do what this little spray does, and they don't even come close. This is worth the $23 price tag - I have thick hair down to the middle of my back, and one bottle lasts me the whole summer.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Happy Friday Eve! Hope everyone plans to enjoy the upcoming weekend, I know I certainly do after a busy week in the office. Today's post started off as a general "crushes" post, but then a theme started to emerge - that's right, spring cleaning! So, without further ado, here are my current spring cleaning crushes...

I discovered Angela's website/blog earlier this week after searching for a Green Monster recipe, and spent most of my free time the past few days perusing recipes, reading inspiring stories, and drooling over the items in her bakery. I've also made a Green Monster every morning this week, and it feels great to do something good for my health - plus, it tastes great! I'm "spring cleaning' my diet, and this website is oh so helpful. Don't know what a Green Monster is? Trust me, you want to find out. Go here to whip up one of your own - you'll thank me (and Angela!) later.

2. New Bedding!

After years of having a duvet and struggling to stuff my king-sized down comforter back in it each time I washed it, I'd had enough. Thankfully, Target has some really cute bedding that didn't break the bank! Behold the lovelies:

Pebble Quilt and Shams by Target Home. Pillows by DwellStudio for Target

A close up of the pillows - these are GORGEOUS in person, and 100% silk! I.am.obsessed.

3. New bathroom accessories

Nothing freshens up a bathroom like new accessories. I plan on purchasing the following from CB2.com for the master bathroom (all images from CB2.com):

Arbor Shower Curtain

Stone Resin Bath Accessories

Cirrus Rug in Pollen

4. Method's Le Scrub Bathroom Cleaner

[photo from www.methodhome.com]

I read about this uh-may-zing product in this month's Reader's Digest. (Yes, I am aware that I am only 29. No, I don't get the large-print version. Yet.) I squirt some of this on my trusty extendable-handle bathroom scrubber, and my least favorite chore is over in no time. Plus it smells good. AND they don't test on animals, which is always crush-worthy in my book.

5.A fresh breeze!

Finally, spring cleaning wouldn't be complete in my house without the windows open and a fresh, warm, breeze - ushering winter away for at least the next 6 months.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Welcome to Crushing On...! I started this blog to share my loves, lusts, wishes, products, ideas, and to create a forum where others can do the same.

A quick intro: I'm a twenty-something girl who loves my dogs, getting a good deal, and a hot cup of coffee (or twelve). I love reading, shopping, fresh sheets, and good music. I can also be random when making lists.

Now that we're practically BFFs, here's what I'm currently crushing on...

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Simone Striped Skirt

[image: shopstyle.com]

Add a tank, some fun wedges, and voila! Instant summer chic!

2. My iPad 2

[image: apple.com]

This little gadget is my first major purchase from Apple. It is so.much.fun. I'd like to say I'm using it for scholarly pursuits and downloading the MIT app - but let's be honest here: I'm mostly playing Angry Birds and Scrabble. It's very user friendly and fits in my purse. It's possible I may be beyond crushing on this...I fear I'm officially obsessed.

3. This post I found via one of my favorite blogs, A.Co est. 1984, called "A Better Life In 100 Ways" on Dragos Roua's personal development blog.

So inspiring. I've only read down to # 32, because I'm trying to really absorb what each section is saying. I've found myself referring back to it over and over this week, and can't wait to finish it!